Applied Technology is introducing their new club, and along with it, a student computer refurbishment program.

The program aims to get computers into the hands of students that have little to no income. After the government grant for student personal computers ended, the Applied Technology Club was proposed. The Applied Technology Refurbishment Program is now in its beta stages.

“We are starting small and taking it slow,” said Kris Townsend, IT instructor and adviser to the AT Club. “This quarter, these computers are being offered to only a few select students that qualified, later the program will be offered to any student that qualifies.

“We’re just making sure we figure out how to run the club before we go to the whole campus.”

Students can apply for a computer by writing a one page essay explaining why they are in need of one. Once the student gains a personal computer for homework, then they are able to keep it in their possession all quarter long.

“All of these older donated computers are great for the homework these students need to get done,” Townsend said.

Working with the AT Club, there are eight faculty members (four directors and four officers. There are a total of 60 Applied Technology club members. The club also helps students find internships that are needed for their specific degree. Three of which are Salvation Army, Snap Fitness, and Sustainable Resources of North West.

“The challenge is to fix the computers we have” James Marabllo, the AT club president said.

The operating system installed on the computers is Windows XP because any software added to the computer uses XP or higher; anything older is unable to run the needed programs for student’s homework.

The club is trying to work out a deal with Microsoft to gain their programs for student use, but as an alternative they are using open source programs. Currently the AT Club runs Linux.